The molecular and cellular biophysics PhD (MCBP) program provides interdisciplinary doctoral studies centered on research activities that coincide with faculty expertise. Participation of faculty from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Physics and Astronomy enhances the strength and breadth of this unique PhD program.
The molecular and cellular biophysics PhD program was established in 2008 and has grown to incorporate 16 participating faculty members from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. Our faculty represent one of the most successful concentrations of research-active faculty at DU with $17 million in external grant funding to support our work.
Students with strong quantitative undergraduate backgrounds (e.g., undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, mathematics) who desire to apply these skills to various biological problems, as well as students with a background in cell or molecular biology with a solid foundation in mathematics and physics are particularly encouraged to apply.
Bolstered by a $1.76 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Professor Schuyler van Engelenburg’s research is focused on imaging HIV to create an exhaustive roadmap of the virus’ functions, potentially aiding further research into drug and vaccine development.
Physics professor Dr. Dinah Loerke and biology professor Dr. Todd Blankenship received an R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support research on epithelial cell shape and structure. Their lab groups work together to deconstruct widely-held assumptions regarding the processes of epithelial cell development.
Go to the graduate admission application to submit your information. For information on admission requirements, visit the graduate academic programs page and locate your program of interest.